King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic recipe using chicken layered with a creamy sauce studded with peppers and onions, then baked in a casserole dish with cheese and corn tortillas.
This is a great family meal that everyone will enjoy!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
Dice the chicken in small pieces, season with salt and pepper and taco seasoning.
Cook the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet, set aside.
Make the sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter, and sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the top and continue to cook briefly.
Add in the chicken stock, canned tomatoes and green chiles. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken.
Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream and ½ cup of the cheese.
Assemble & Bake
Set aside about ½ cup of the sauce for topping.
Spread a little of the sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer the dish with half the chicken, top with half the sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
Add a layer of tortillas.
Repeat layer using the remaining chicken and sauce, and sprinkle with cheese.
Layer the rest of the tortillas over the top.
Spoon over the reserved half cup of sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake the casserole in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole bubbles up around the edges.
Devour.
Notes
How to storeRefrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 day. Reheat to piping hot.I don’t recommend freezing this dish. With the sour cream in the sauce, it can separate and not look too great.Substitutions/Additions
You can use white or yellow corn tortillas, or switch it out for flour tortillas if you prefer.
I make my own taco seasoning, but you could use chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin in a pinch. Just be sure to add salt and pepper and taste your food before assembling the casserole.
If you can’t find the tomatoes and green chilies, you can use a can of green chiles in addition to a can of plain tomatoes.
Black beans in the sauce is a great way to boost the protein and fiber.
You can make this with a rotisserie chicken if you prefer. Just add the chicken to the sauce, and mix in the taco seasoning with that.
What to serve with King Ranch CasseroleSince this is a casserole, it doesn’t really need accompaniments. However, fresh pico de gallo, sliced jalapenos, guacamole or some sliced avocado would go great with this.